Grace Is a Person

August 8, 2022

For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:17 NIV

Grace is a person, not a concept, theological construct, or doctrine. Many within the Christian ranks do not seem to understand this and are caught in rules, judgmentalism, and condemnation. The fact that grace is the person of Jesus Christ is the essence of what sets Christianity apart from every other religion. Christianity is not about following a list of dos and don’ts. Christianity is following the almighty God who loves us so much He initiated the relationship with sinful, unlovable, and unloving people, loving them unconditionally and completely through His sacrificial death.

Grace is so personal. Just look at the specific words used. The law was given. It was impersonal, handed down by the supreme authority. But grace—it’s breath-taking. Grace came through Jesus Christ. Grace took personal action to be involved in my life. Grace is not simply concerned with my obedience. Grace wants a daily, moment-by-moment personal and intimate relationship with me. No one had a personal relationship with those chiseled tablets of stone. Yes, they were honored and valued and feared. They were carefully stored, placed in the Ark of the Covenant to be carried and never touched upon penalty of death. The law was cold, impersonal, and even frightening. Then came Jesus.

Jesus is grace personified. He longs for a personal relationship with us. He runs to us in our sin, pain, and sorrow, and makes a restored relationship with God possible for everyone. He assures us that our sins have been paid for once and for all, and we no longer need to live in shame, guilt, and condemnation.

Several years ago we paid off our house. I think my first concept of eternity came when we signed the papers for that mortgage! In difficult times of financial struggle, that huge (for us) payment loomed over our heads, so after our commitment to Christ and His church, that payment was first in our financial priorities. But when we paid the last dollar, we received a notice essentially saying, “This home is yours, free and clear. You do not need to send in another payment. Your obligation has been fulfilled. The debt is paid.”

That is what Jesus in His grace has done for us. The overwhelming debt we each owe because of our sin has been paid! When Satan tries to wave the law over our heads and send shame slithering into our lives, we can stand on the truth of Jesus—His grace has set us free from the law of sin and death. Our debt has been paid in full.

Grace came. Everything is different now.

• Pray, thanking Jesus that He came.